REAL MADRID REACHES A VERBAL AGREEMENT TO SIGN CUCURELLA FROM CHELSEA.

Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement to sign Chelsea left-back Marc
Cucurella in a deal worth up to €60m, with the Spain international set to complete the
move after the World Cup.

Cucurella, 27, is preparing to represent Spain against Cape Verde at the tournament
but has already agreed to leave Stamford Bridge after four years in London.

The defender had previously questioned Chelsea’s direction, criticising what he
described as “inexperience” in the squad’s Champions League collapse to Paris
Saint-Germain and raising concerns over managerial changes.

A move back to Spain has long been expected, and Madrid will pay an initial €55m
plus €5m in add-ons for the former Brighton defender.

Chelsea are understood to be open to the sale, with Cucurella’s form dipping after
Christmas and youngster Jorrel Hato are increasingly trusted as his deputy.

Madrid’s rebuild under new boss José Mourinho continues, with the club also
pushing through moves for Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, and Bernardo Silva
on a free transfer.

Chelsea may also face renewed interest in Enzo Fernández, who has been linked
with a move to the Spanish giants, although the London club is expected to
demand over £100m for the Argentine.